Alexander extends lead at Women's Irish Open as Maguire posts nine-under-par 63

Casandra Alexander maintained her position at the top of the leaderboard by firing a 69 during the third round of the Women's Irish Open.

The South African player held a three-shot lead over Czech Sara Kouskova, whose 67 reduced her deficit to two shots behind the pacesetter compared with her score after day two.

Heavy rain caused play to be suspended for part of the afternoon as puddles formed around the County Kildare course, yet Alexander remained in first place throughout.

Ireland's Leona Maguire posted a nine-under-par 63 to finish tied for sixth on 11 under par.

Maguire achieved a bogey-free round by birdieing nine of the first fifteen holes, including back-to-back birdies on the seventh and eighth holes.

She recorded thirty-one shots on her outward nine, picking up birdies on successive holes between the second and fourth fairways.

Kajsa Arwefjaell matched Maguire's round of 63 to move into third place on 13 under par.

Arwefjaell joined two fellow Swedes, Corinne Viden and Louise Rydqvist, who also carded 69s to sit one shot further back in the field.